With more and more couples choosing to skip the hassle of the registrar and marry abroad, the list of destinations where you can say ‘I do’ is growing fast.
Whether you’re after sun or snow, mountains or metropolis, there’s a location that’s perfect for you. We’ve rounded up five of the most original ideas on the travel agents’ books.
Lapland
Swedish marriages are easy to arrange because there is no residency law, and the Nordic lights, year round mild temperature and the unique landscape of Lapland make for a truly original wedding location. WeddingsAbroad Ltd offer a package which includes a traditional feast of Lappish delicacies, and wedding night accommodation in a Sami hut with reindeer furs before the open fire. More
Verona
Home to Shakespeare’s tale of Romeo and Juliet, Verona has to offer more possibilities for romantic wedding spots than any other city. Packages offered by Crystal Holidays take place in an immaculate 13th century home decorated in traditional frescoes, with ceremonies held in both Italian and English. Retire to a room overlooking Lake Garda or head to Venice for an unforgettable honeymoon. More
Austria
For a truly white wedding, Austrian ski resorts offer unforgettable scenery. Thomson Holidays arrange ceremonies at Zell Am See and Mondsee where you can opt for a fairy-tale wedding in the grand registry office or the beautiful church where the Sound Of Music was filmed. If you fancy the idea of skiing into your own wedding, Thomson also offer white weddings in Canada and the USA. More
New York
The city than never sleeps offers endless possibilities for a unique wedding ceremony. Kuoni Travel are currently working to produce a brand new package of possibilities including a buggy ride for two followed by nuptials in Central Park, a private wedding party on board a luxury yacht, a ceremony on the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building and a shindig at a Times Square restaurant. More
Sri Lanka
It’s one of the most popular wedding destinations of all time, but with ancient cities, miles of sandy beach and Buddhist temples, there’s always going to be some unexplored wedding territory. Kuoni Travel offer tailor-made packages to suit all tastes. And the Maldives located literally next door make for a convenient honeymoon destination. More
Pictures courtesy of Crystal Holidays. Please note Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites.
Pass the buck: Planning your own wedding abroad can be a logistical nightmare. Tour operators can do all this for you.
Do research into your chosen destination: What’s the weather like at the time of year you’re planning to marry?
Cultural differences: Find out what's expected of you when you're in forgeign climes - particularly in places of worship.
Sort your papers: Make sure all your guests have valid passports and all relevant customs info.
Avoid the crush: Popular wedding resorts might be conducting more than one ceremony each day. Check beforehand to avoid the conveyor belt feeling.
